AN Olympic fan died of a suspected heart attack after watching cycling at the velodrome.

Sports fanatic Conrad Readman, 49, of St Helena Road, Colchester, had taken two weeks off work and had tickets for every day of the Olympics.

He had already witnessed the opening ceremony and many of Team GB’s gold medal moments and was in the velodrome to watch Victoria Pendleton and the men’s team pursuit, when he was taken ill.

He was discovered, ill, in the toilets at the venue at 6.15pm.

The chartered accountant lived with and cared for, his mother Joan.

She said: “He had been looking forward to the Olympics ever since it was announced. There was never a day he was not excited about it.

“He was coming home every night so excited and telling me about everything he had done.”

On Friday, officers from the Metropolitan Police broke the tragic news to her. She said: “My neighbour came and held my hand and they told me he had a heart attack.

“He had never had a problem with his heart and had not been to a doctor in 15 years.

“He died doing something he loved so I am happy he was where he was, but I can’t watch any of it now.

“I had it on all day, but I can’t bear it now.”

Conrad lived in Hospital Road before moving to St Helena Road.

He attended Hamilton Primary School and then Colchester Royal Grammar School, before spending 30 years working in the town, many of them with Peyton Tyler Mears.

His father Dennis died 19 years ago, leaving him and his mother, whom he helped every day. She said: “He would help anybody. He loved watching a lot of sport and I am so very proud of him.”

Employer and friend Tim Peyton said: “I have worked with him since 1982 and am shocked. He was a lynchpin for us. Clients and staff liked him. He will be sorely missed.”

Conrad was also a season ticket holder for Tottenham Hotspur and watched England’s football team play around the world.